Lake Champlain Cardiology Associates
52 Tom Miller Rd., Plattsburgh, NY 12901 (518) 563-2404
www.lccahearts.com
Sudden Cardiac Death in Athletes
Sudden cardiac death at any age is unfortunate, but it is especially tragic when it involves a young athlete. There are many different possible causes, including a weak, enlarged heart (Reggie Lewis, basketball), an abnormally thick and muscular heart (Hank Gathers, basketball), congenital abnormal coronary arteries (Pistol Pete Maravich, basketball), blocked coronary arteries (Sergei Grinkov, Russian figure skater, who died skating in Lake Placid), drug abuse, especially cocaine (Len Bias, basketball), Marfan’s Syndrome (Flo Hyman, Olympic Volleyball), as well as irregular heart rhythm or infection of the heart.
The best way to detect these diseases before serious complications occur is controversial. In the United States, most student-athletes are required to have an evaluation by a doctor or nurse before being allowed to play. If there are concerns, some of these will have an ECG or other testing, and may be referred to a heart specialist. Despite this, rarely a student-athlete will suffer a complication of an unrecognized heart problem. In some regions in Italy, all athletes are required to have an ECG as well as an echocardiogram before being allowed to participate in competitive sports. This has resulted in fewer sports related death. Unfortunately, because of the cost involved, this does not happen in the United States.
What can we do to prevent sudden death in young athletes? Notify your doctor or school nurse about problems such as a heart murmur, fainting, chest pain or shortness of breath, especially with exercise, or a family history of serious heart disease in those less than 50 years old. Lake Champlain Cardiology Associates does evaluate student-athletes if their doctor has any concerns that there may be a heart problem.